Objective    To study the effect of endouterine and extra-aterine exposure to lead on iron concentrations in the blood and hippocampus

hemogiobin level and the learning memory in young rats and the protective effect of zinc in this event.     Methods    Sixteen pregnant Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups

group A fed with diet containing Zn 17.5 mg/kg and normal water

group B with Zn 17.5 mg/kg and water with PbAC· 3H

2

O 500 mg/L

group C with Zn 168.7 mg/kg and PbAC· 3H

2

O 500 mg/L

and gro

up D with Zn

<

5 mg/kg and PbAC· 3H

2

O 500 mg/L from the 14th day after gestation. After weaning

the pups were fed likewise for 8 weeks

and then

the following procedures were manipulated in the offspring: ①Active avoidance response (AAR) was tested in one-way shuttle box; ②The concentrations of lead

zinc

iron in the blood and hippocampus and hemoglobin level were measured.     Results    ①The lead content in the blood and hippocampus was significantly higher in group B and D than in group A and C

and the later 2 groups had no difference. ②The blood and hippocampal zinc contents was significantly lower in group B and D than in group A and C

and the later 2 groups had similar contents. ③The blood iron content was a little bit lower in group C than group A

significantly lower in group B than group A

and group D than group A and C. While in the hippocampus

no significantly difference was seen in group C and A

but they were higher than group B and D

especially in the later. ④No significant difference was observed in the hemoglobin level in group C and B with group A

but the level of group D was obviously lower than in these 3 groups. ⑤The acquisition and retention rates in AAR were approximative in group A and C

significantly higher than in group B and D.     Conclusion    In  Sub-clinical  lead poisoning

iron and hemoglobin contents in the blood and hippocampus are significantly lower than in normal control

especially in group with low zinc and high lead diet. When high zinc diet is given properly

iron nutritional status might be ameliorated.